Connect with us

NEWS

Uzodimma Speaks On Brutalisation of NLC President

Published

on

File Photo: Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma

Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State on Thursday accused the brutalized President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero of politicising labour activities in the state.

Governor Uzodimma made the allegation while fielding questions from State House correspondents, after joining the candidates of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Kogi, Usman Ododo and Bayelsa, Timipre Sylva to receive his gubernatorial flag from President Bola Tinubu, ahead of the November 11 gubernatorial elections.

Recall that thugs suspected to have been hired by the Imo State government and the State Police Command descended on the NLC President, who led other members of the Central Working Committee, CWC, to a protest in Imo State over the alleged unfriendly treatment of workers in the state.

But Governor Uzodimma accused the labour leader of not differentiating between labour issues and his interest in local politics of the state.

He debunked the allegation that he was owing salaries for 40 months, insisting that his administration is up-to-date on salary payments in the State.

He said he has been paying salaries regularly, since he assumed office, on January 15, 2020.

He challenged Imo civil servants being owed salary arrears in the state, to come out openly and say so.

On the allegations that he was owing 40 salary arrears, the Imo Governor said: “I think it is a very good opportunity for me to clear the air on the so-called allegations.

“When I came into Imo State as the governor on January 15th 2020, from 2020 January till date, there’s no month we have not paid salary before the 30th. The situation is that before this time, I thought that the trade union was a democratic entity that allowed the opinion of people.

READ ALSO:  Why We Declared Timipre Sylva Wanted — EFCC

“I don’t pay federal civil servants, I only pay Imo State civil servants and I challenged any Imo State civil servants to come out and say that between 2020 January 15th till date, he has not received salary in any of the months.

“What has happened in this ugly incident is that the national president of Nigeria Labour Congress is from Imo State and has not been able to demarcate the difference between being a national leader of an organisation and an interested party in local politics. But God will manage the situation.”

Reminded that the workers were accusing him of reneging on the January 2021 agreement aside from the backlog of salaries and this might impact his re-election, Uzodimma said: “Well, I still repeat, there’s no worker in Imo State…recall I came in January 2020 and by March, I started paying the minimum wage of N30,000 that had been lying there, that previous leadership couldn’t pay. By December 2020 I paid the 13th month, the first time in the history of Imp State civil service and I have maintained continuously this 13th month payment as an incentive.

“I automated the payment system. Salaries are now received in an automated manner in Imo State. I brought innovations, I reformed the civil service. No wonder in the civil service the entire Labour Congress of Imo State chapter endorsed me and I am the only candidate they are supporting in the election. The Nigerian Union of Pensioners endorsed me, from 2007 to 2020, no civil servants in Imo State received gratuity. It is only my government that has now floated bonds to pay outstanding gratuities to civil servants.

READ ALSO:  Aisha Yesufu Warns Of Impending Protest Worse Than EndSARS

“So, I understand the sensitivity of this event but I want you people to be very careful because there’s an attempt to mix up partisan politics or an attempt to blackmail my government. But I can tell you that my people are already aware and that was why the Nigerian Labour Congress Imo State chapter, addressed a World Press Conference, that what their national leadership is saying is not correct. And that they are not coming to do any strikes or protests. In the process, they decided to resolve them to put in a caretaker.

“Of course, I am the chief security officer and I have the responsibility to intervene. I encouraged the national leadership not to devolve the management team that their tenure have not expired and that was what they did.

“I don’t interfere in Labour matters but I have convinced my workers in Imo State to believe in me and is that trust that the opposition parties are trying to fight. But I can assure you that the Imo people already have taken their decision. 11th November is by the corner…”

Uzodimma added that having campaigned vigorously, APC is the party to beat in the three states of Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa.

“We are here and we have received are flags, I am trying to run back to Imo States to continue with campaigns and so are the candidates for Bayelsa and Kogi states.”

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NEWS

President Tinubu Opens New Judges’ Residences, Hails Investment in Justice

Published

on

 

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial independence and institutional reforms with the commissioning of a newly completed 10-unit Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District, Abuja.

Speaking through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Tinubu described the project as a strategic investment in democratic governance and the rule of law.

He emphasized that judicial welfare and infrastructure are essential to strengthening independence, efficiency, and service delivery.

“This event is more than the unveiling of physical infrastructure; it is a tangible demonstration of the Federal Government’s enduring commitment to the welfare, independence, efficiency and dignity of the judiciary,” Tinubu stated.

The President disclosed that additional land has been earmarked for future judicial projects, including facilities for the National Industrial Court, the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Federal High Court, and the FCT High Court, noting that the area could soon be known as “Judiciary Boulevard.”

Tinubu commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for executing the project efficiently and urged state governments to emulate the Federal Government by investing in judicial infrastructure.

Wike, in his remarks, stressed that governors must take responsibility for federal judicial institutions within their states, citing his own experience in Rivers State where he facilitated the establishment of a National Industrial Court division.

President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, hailed the project as a milestone, noting that secure housing enhances judicial independence and protects officers from undue influence.

The estate, built by Details to Dots Development Nigeria Limited, comprises 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with boys’ quarters, an event centre, recreational facilities, paved roads, water and electricity systems, and a secured gatehouse.

READ ALSO:  Election: Prisons Seek Clarity On Inmates’ Voting

 

The commissioning follows the recent inauguration of the new Court of Appeal complex in Abuja, underscoring Tinubu’s broader governance reforms through sustained investment in judicial infrastructure.

 

Aprokorepublic

Continue Reading

NEWS

Senate Cuts Recess Short for Emergency Session on Insecurity

Published

on

 

The Senate has summoned lawmakers for an emergency sitting on June 23 to deliberate on matters relating to national security and other urgent national issues.

In a notice dated June 15 and signed by Emmanuel Odo, clerk of the Senate, lawmakers were directed to reconvene at 11am in the Senate chamber.

The notice said the emergency sitting was convened at the instance of Godswill Akpabio, the senate president.

“The purpose of this emergency sitting is to enable the Senate consider matters of urgent national importance, particularly issues relating to national security and other critical concerns that require
immediate legislative attention,” the notice reads.

“The Senate deeply regrets any inconvenience that this emergency sitting may occasion.

“Distinguished Senators are kindly requested to make necessary arrangements to attend the sitting.”

The emergency session cuts short the senate’s recess. The upper legislative chamber had adjourned plenary on June 11 and was scheduled to
resume on July 7.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over insecurity across the country, including recent attacks and incidents of abduction in several states.

On Monday, the house of representatives also reconvened for an emergency sitting to consider an amendment to the 2025 appropriation act extending the implementation period for the capital component of the budget from June 30 to September 30.

Aprokorepublic

READ ALSO:  Enugu Govt Pulls Down Another Kidnappers' Den, Warns Property Owners
Continue Reading

NEWS

Lagos Bus Driver Allegedly Beaten to Death by NAF Officers After Collision

Published

on

 

 

 

Joseph Okpe, a 43-year-old commercial bus driver, has died after allegedly being beaten by officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) along the Oshodi-Apapa expressway in Lagos.

The incident happened on May 9, 2026 following a dispute over a traffic incident involving a vehicle belonging to the NAF officers.

According to Punch, Innocent Okpe, deceased’s brother, deposed
to an affidavit deposed at the high court of the Federal Capital Territory
(FCT) in the Maitama judicial division, over the matter.

In the affidavit, the deceased’s brother said Okpe was driving his commercial bus when he was accosted by NAF personnel travelling in a Coaster bus with registration number GO 1–14AF.

The officers allegedly accused him of hitting their vehicle and demanded N100,000 as compensation for the damage.

The officers were alleged to have started beating and punching the commercial bus driver’s face when could not provide the money.

Okpe, a father of three and a wife, was said to have nearly lost consciousness during the punching of his face by the NAF officers

The officers reportedly stopped the beating after passers-by and other commercial bus drivers intervened.

The passers-by were said to have offered N50,000 compensation to the NAF personnel.

According to the affidavit, Okpe was rushed to several hospitals where he was reportedly rejected after the NAF personnel left the scene and continued their journey.

A source told the publication that Okpe was eventually taken to Charing Cross Clinic in Mushin, Lagos, where he was pronounced dead at about 5pm.

READ ALSO:  Election: Prisons Seek Clarity On Inmates’ Voting

A medical certificate of cause of death signed by Okechukwu Ogboo, a medical doctor at Charing Cross Clinic, Mushin listed the primary cause of death as “severe head injury,” while the secondary cause was stated as
“pulmonary failure until his death”.

NAF SPEAKS

When TheCable reached out to Ehimen Ejodame, NAF
spokesperson, for enquiry over the matter, Ejodame said the airforce was
currently investigating the case.

Ejodame said the suspected NAF personnel involved in the
case were immediately taken to the custody.

“The Nigerian Air Force is aware of the reported incident and is deeply saddened by the loss of life,” the NAF spokesperson said.

“Upon receiving information on the matter, the personnel suspected to be involved were immediately taken into custody, and the case is currently under investigation by the appropriate civil and military authorities.

“The NAF has also extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and visited them to express sympathy and support during this
difficult time.

“As investigations are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to make further comments at this stage. The Nigerian Air Force remains committed
to due process, accountability and the rule of law.”

Aprokorepublic

Continue Reading

NEWS

I Prostrated for My Wife, She’s in Charge at Home – Actor Elesho

Published

on

 

Adewale Elesho, the ace Nigerian actor, has revealed that he regards his wife as the head of his household.

“My wife is my leader,” he said in an interview on African A-List.

The actor also disclosed that he prioritises his wife’s opinion in family matters, particularly when it involves extended relatives.

Elesho, popularly known as Baba Elesho, recounted a situation where his mother developed an eye problem and expressed discomfort while staying with one of his younger siblings. He said he decided to bring her to his home in Lagos.

The film star said when he got home, he went upstairs, prostrated for his wife and told her he had come with a visitor

“My mom had an eye problem and I brought her to my home. The day I went to carry her from my younger sibling’s house, she told me she wasn’t comfortable with where she was. So I brought her to Lagos,” he said.

“Despite the fact that she’s my mother, she is an emergency visitor. When I got home, I drove in. It was a Sunday, I went upstairs and went to prostrate for my wife and told her I had come with a visitor.

“She asked, who? I replied Alhaja. She asked what happened and I explain everything to her.”

He said he consulted his wife before bringing his mother inside because he sees her as the “owner of the home”.

“My wife said if it was her mother that was in that situation, she would also bring her home,” he said.

READ ALSO:  Aisha Yesufu Warns Of Impending Protest Worse Than EndSARS

“She then asked where she was. I said she is inside the car and I came to speak to her first because she had to be happy about it. She owns the home, and her reaction matters.”

Aprokorepublic

Continue Reading

NEWS

NAFDAC Warns Nigerians Over Contaminated Children’s Drug Recalled in US

Published

on

 

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians against children’s ibuprofen oral Suspension, which was recalled in the United States.

In a post on X, NAFDAC said it received notification that the United States Food and Drug Administration had announced the recall of approximately 90,000 bottles of the drug due to the presence of foreign
material in the product.

NAFDAC said that Strides Pharma Inc initiated the recall after consumers complained of a “gel-like mass” and “black particles” in the oral suspension.

The agency said that the product was manufactured by Strides Pharma Inc. in India for Taro Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.

NAFDAC said the affected batches are lot numbers 7261973A and 7261974A, with an expiry date of January 31, 2027.

The agency cautioned that the presence of foreign material in medicinal products could compromise their quality, safety, and effectiveness.

NAFDAC said administering contaminated oral suspensions may
result in adverse reactions among children, and could pose choking or
gastrointestinal risks depending on the nature of the contaminant.

The affected product is children’s ibuprofen oral suspension, USP, 100 mg/5 ml, packaged in 120 mL (4 fl. oz.) bottles, and were distributed nationwide in the US.

NAFDAC said although the affected products were distributed and recalled within the US, it is taking precautionary measures to prevent them
from entering Nigeria through authorised or unauthorised channels.

The agency said it had directed all its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance activities and remove the products from circulation if found in their jurisdictions.

READ ALSO:  Why We Declared Timipre Sylva Wanted — EFCC

“NAFDAC remains committed to safeguarding public health and
will continue surveillance activities to ensure the quality, safety, and
efficacy of medicines circulating in Nigeria,” the agency said.

NAFDAC, however, urged importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and ensure that medical products are sourced only from authorised and licensed suppliers.

The agency noted that healthcare facilities should immediately inspect their inventories and quarantine any affected batches if identified.

Aprokorepublic

Continue Reading

NEWS

I’ll Dialogue With Gumi, Igboho and Others as President – Peter Obi

Published

on

 

Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has said if elected as Nigerian President, he would negotiate with agitators from different parts of the country.

In an interview on Nevon News hosted by Rufai Oseni, Obi said he would sit down with the Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, controversial Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi and Biafra agitators for negotiation.

He said, “When I’m elected, I will discuss with everybody. I’m not there to apportion blame on who is wrong or right.

“In solving this problem, I want to sit down with everybody and say, “let’s go this way”. As a president, I will sit down with people and talk, and you will see it.

“I did it as governor, I brought people, including traditional rulers, and talked with them”.

Asked what he would do if Gumi and others fail to listen to him, Obi said, “They will listen to me, they are in the problem. How can you call someone who is sick to come to the hospital, and he says he won’t come”?

Aprokorepublic

READ ALSO:  Enugu Govt Pulls Down Another Kidnappers' Den, Warns Property Owners
Continue Reading

NEWS

NDC Picks Kwankwaso’s Son as Deputy Guber Candidate in Kano

Published

on

 

Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso has been announced as the deputy governorship candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, in Kano State.

Mustapha will be running alongside Aminu Gwarzo, who is the NDC governorship candidate.

Mustapha Kwankwaso is the first son of the NDC vice presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

This was confirmed by the Spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Habibu Saleh Mohammed, in a statement on Monday.

“HE Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo unveiled Hon Mustapha Rabiu Musa
Kwankwaso as running mate for the 2027 Governorship Election,” he said.

Aprokorepublic

READ ALSO:  Bishops didn’t make me governor, Anambra people did! -- Prof. Soludo claims
Continue Reading

NEWS

Tinubu Hails Wike as ‘Mr Fix-It’ Over FCT Projects, Says He Knew He’d Deliver

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his swift execution of key projects in Abuja, describing him as “Mr Fix-It.”

Speaking at the commissioning of the newly built Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted Wike’s dedication and efficiency.

Tinubu noted that when he appointed Wike in May 2024, he was confident the minister would not “sleep” until the project was delivered.

By July of that year, contractors were already on site, and within 16 months the complex was completed without delays or cost variations

.“This is not just a building; it’s a statement under the Renewed Hope Agenda that justice must have a befitting home,” Tinubu said.

“For too long, the Abuja division operated from a cramped temporary space. Today, Nigerians can see the difference. Well done, Wike.”

The Court of Appeal complex, located in Dakibiu, is part of Tinubu’s third-anniversary achievements and underscores his administration’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law.

Aprokorepublic

READ ALSO:  Maritime Workers Get N200,000 Minimum Wage, Bringing An End To 20-Year Dispute
Continue Reading

NEWS

Nigeria’s Defence Minister Blames Middle East, Ukraine Wars for Arms Shortage

Published

on

 

 

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, rtd, has attributed the inability of Nigeria and other countries to procure military equipment needed to tackle insecurity to the ongoing conflicts
involving Israel, Iran, the United States, Russia and Ukraine.

General Musa equally decried the absence of a comprehensive national database, saying it was hindering the efforts of security agencies, particularly the police, in tracking criminals and preventing crimes.

The minister made the statement on Saturday while delivering a keynote address at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja.

He noted that global conflicts had disrupted access to military hardware, making it imperative for Nigeria to strengthen local defence
production.

“With the war in Ukraine, Russia, Iran, the U.S. and Israel, it’s been extremely difficult getting equipment.

“Because most times, they do down payment because they have the money and they produce most of these items. So even when you go to get,
they have booked for them, and so it’s difficult.

“The only solution is for us to produce what we need,” he said.

He pleaded with the National Assembly to support the creation of a comprehensive database for Nigerians, describing it as critical
to effective policing and national security.

Aprokorepublic

READ ALSO:  Why We Declared Timipre Sylva Wanted — EFCC
Continue Reading

Trending